Highlights

Desirable pre facelift example
Subject to extensive mechanical overhaul and engine rebuild
Removable hardtop and soft top roof
Generally very well presented car throughout

The Appeal

Hailing from the golden era of Mercedes Benz, the R107 generation SL really personifies what made the marque so great during the 1970s and 80s. Timeless, elegant styling, robust drivelines and of course untold levels of engineering quality. The SL fell perfectly for buyers looking for an effortlessly classy luxury sports convertible that lacked the brash, imposing aura that came with many of its market competitors. Something achieved throughout the several generations of the model right up to present day, but none quite like the R107.

Coming from one of the final years of the “pre facelift” R107 design often favoured in collector and enthusiast circles, this 1981 R107 is a rather charming example of the esteemed model. In desirable 2.8 litre six cylinder form and an alluring period specification, it's a generally very smartly presented car and having had an extensive mechanical overhaul and engine rebuild in its more recent history, stands as a wonderful example of a very usable, rapidly appreciating classic roadster.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 01/01/1981
Accompanied by Mercedes owners book wallet with various manuals and Mercedes literature
Service book present with a selection of stamps from Mercedes specialists and dealers
Within the history file we find a vast selection of invoices for more recent servicing and maintenance work
Several invoices detailing an engine strip down and rebuild circa 2018
Due to the age and historic status of the vehicle it is now considered both tax and MOT exempt
V5 registration document present with the car

The Condition

Generally very smart example inside and out
Pre facelift design
Finished in a classic period gold exterior colour scheme
Body and paintwork is in largely straight order though there are some light areas of blemishing to be seen
External chrome trim is of a similarly high standard throughout
Body coloured removable hardtop roof in good order, with relevant removal tools still present with the vehicle
Contrasting black soft top roof is in great shape, unfolding and latching with general ease
Four good quality wheels with chrome and body coloured Mercedes decorative trim
Mercedes branded mudguard at all four corners
Badging , glass work and lighting are all in good form
Nicely presented cabin area, well preserved and in largely original form
Good quality black upholstery throughout with complementing patterned fabric inserts
Seating front and rear in great, clean honest order
Wood finish trim used throughout, all in good overall shape
Upgraded Blaupunkt radio head unit
Internal trim, fixtures and fascias stand in very presentable shape and are notably lacking in signs of excessive wear or damage
Some slight blemishing is more prominent on the centre console insert
Electric windows in good working order

The Mechanics

2.8 litre six cylinder variant
Paired with a quality automatic transmission
The engine in this particular example was subject to a strip down and rebuild circa 2018, using a host of new and upgraded parts
As a result the car now fires into life quickly and comfortably and idles well
Not long after a host of suspension work was performed along with a chassis welding repair
On the road the 280 is seen to drive rather well, with smooth gear changes from the auto box and respectable power delivery
Invoices show an oil and filter service undertaken less than 200 miles ago

Summary

Seen by many as one of the most important models in Mercedes history, the R107 really is a great car. Confidently ticking all the boxes one looks for in a classic roadster, the beautifully styled, endlessly reliable machine has behind it a dedicated following of enthusiasts and parts supply both from aftermarket and Mercedes themselves, and for good reason.

Demand for these cars is on a seemingly endless upward surge, with hordes of people looking for a stylish, usable and attainable classic car and quickly realising the R107 is just about one of the best candidates for the job. A well presented example with a rebuilt engine, this dashing golden 280SL leaves very little to not like.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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